EFFECT OF TRANS PERINEAL ULTRASOUND VISUAL FEEDBACK FOR KEGEL EXERCISES ON PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE FUNCTION

Dr. Arnold Kegel described Kegel exercises for PFM strengthening in 1948 and introduced these exercises as therapy for first time in 1970. Kegel exercises has been proved as a therapy to be applicable to routine postpartum PFM exercise, and has good effect in improving various urinary incontinence, vaginitis and puerperal symptoms. Pregnancy has stressful effect on female PF due to growing fetus and uterus, also due to increase pelvic ligaments, joints, muscles laxity under effect of pregnancy hormones. Vaginal delivery has traumatic effect on female PF, especially during second stage of labor when the fetal head cause extensive stretching of levator musculature and somatic nerves which in some cases causing permanent damage and these females start to complaint of signs and symptoms of PFD. TPUS is effective, easy, noninvasive, low-cost method for real time assessment of the PF function and anatomy so used to confirm the diagnosis of PFD. It is also very helpful in biofeedback training. Practicing Kegel exercises under supervision has better outcomes of PF function, including improvement of quality of life, decreasing urine leakage, and higher satisfaction rate compared to the unsupervised Kegel exercises.